Having a migraine is probably one of the most painful experiences you may encounter. Light hurts your eyes, any kind of motion makes you nauseous, and you feel like your head is being pounded by 10 jackhammers. Migraines affect about 20 percent of the female population, and it's nothing like a normal headache. In fact, some scientists have already classified it as a disorder and have even warned about its possible link to an increased risk of stroke and brain lesions.

Yes, it seems scary, but at least there’s one less thing to worry about--new research has proven that migraines do not cause cognitive decline, ScienceDaily.com reports.

The study, conducted by researchers from Bringham and Women’s Hospital, collated data on 6,349 women who were classified into four groups: those with no history of migraines, those with migraines with aura (transient neurology symptoms mostly of the visual field), those with migraines with no aura, and those with some past history of migraines. They were asked to go through cognitive testing up to three times every two years.

"Compared with women with no history of migraine, those who experienced migraine with or without aura did not have significantly different rates of cognitive decline," lead study author Pamela Rist ScD explains. "This is an important finding for both physicians and patients. Patients with migraine and their treating doctors should be reassured that migraine may not have long-term consequences on cognitive function."

Although there are still a lot of things unknown about migraines, this new finding can push physicians in the right direction and streamline current remedies.

This disorder is no laughing matter, so if you experience head-splitting pain way too often, consult with your doctor immediately.

(Photo by Sarah G... via Flickr Creative Commons)